Here we go with the fifth tygertale advent calendar, a selection of the best children’s books for Christmas from the last 125 years. Over the next twenty four days I’ll be sharing vintage picture books, Christmas mysteries and brand new classic stories – as well as hearing from some top authors – so please do visit every morning and leave a comment, or a mince pie and a shot of brandy (I’ll need it).

On Dasher…

1st December Winter Magic Curated by Abi Elphinstone

2nd December The White Lands of Raymond Briggs

3rd December Melrose and Croc by Emma Chichester Clark

4th December Easter Treat by Roger Duvoisin

5th December Ivor the Engine’s Christmas

6th December Millions Frank Cottrell Boyce

7th December Christmas in July by Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski

8th December  Brambly Hedge: The Secret Staircase by Jill Barklem

9th December The Snow Day by Komako Sakai

10th December The Mouse and his Child by Russell Hoban

11th December Winter and the Children by Hilde Hoffman and Beatrice Braun-Fock

12th December Once in Royal David’s City by Harold Jones and Kathleen Lines

13th December There May be a Castle by Piers Torday

14th December The Bear’s Sea Escape by Benjamin Chaud

15th December Beatrix Potter’s Christmas Party

16th December Brian Wildsmith’s Twelve Days of Christmas

17th December The Perfect Present by Michael Foreman

18th December An Interview with Santa Claus by Margaret Mead, Illus by Thomas Nast

19th December Lotta: Christmastime is Wonderful by Astrid Lindgren

20th December The Happiest Man in the World by Mij Kelly and Louise Nisbet

21st December  Robin Stevens’s Favourite Christmas Mysteries

22nd December The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder and Rosemary Wells

23rd December Maurice Sendak’s Christmas Mystery

24th December Father Christmas Goes on Twitter

For more Briony May Smith – read my review of Imelda and the Goblin King or visit her website